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Harlem United Supports Gov Coumo’s Budget

Harlem United today acknowledged the significant investments in health, housing and human services Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature have made in the SY2015-2016 budget. The final budget was passed on April 1st, 2015.

“We are gratified that the Governor and the Legislature enacted a budget that supports affordable housing for low-income people living with AIDS, homeless youth shelters, and other homeless prevention services,” said Jacquelyn Kilmer, Chief Executive Officer of Harlem United.

The budget agreement included many critical service supports including:

Preserving the ability of FQHCs to retain rebates on the cost of outpatient prescription drugs and support uncompensated care;

$74.5 million of the JP Morgan settlement funds to support a statewide supportive housing program, NY/NY IV, and 5,000 units of housing;

$10 million over two years for Ending the AIDS Epidemic initiatives. Harlem United has been an integral part of the development of these recommendations, including as a member of the Governor’s Task Force.

“We applaud these important investments, and we’re optimistic that, working with the Governor and the Legislature, we can further fortify the health, housing and human service infrastructure of New York State,” said Kilmer.

Working in coalition with their community partners across New York State, Harlem United has been working aggressively to advocate for 35,000 units of supportive housing statewide, and to urge the Governor to release the blueprint to End AIDS that was completed by his Task Force in January. Kimberleigh Smith of Harlem United served on Governor Cuomo’s End the Epidemic Task Force.

“Harlem United is grateful for the leadership shown by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymembers Dick Gottfried, Andrew Hevesi, Marcus Crespo, Keith Wright, and Robert Rodriguez; and Senators Dean Skelos, Kemp Hannon, Brad Hoylman, Bill Perkins, and so many others for these important victories,” Kilmer added.